I just received my paycheck today and it dropped by another 80 bucks since the January 11 check. I compared the two pay stubs and it appears I was paid near $80 in “stock dividends” on the 01/11/2013. I didn’t catch that when I looked at my 1/11/2013 check the first time but it appears the lesser amount that I see in today’s check is the “final answer.” I see about $450 less per paycheck now and that is sobering. As a reminder the new deductions are increased federal withholdings, my health insurance and the flexible spending accounts (FSA).

On the upside–of that $900–I have $208 to recover from my health care and dependent care FSA. Please remind me that this is a good thing for tax purposes because the lazy financial person in me just does not want to deal with submitting receipts to recoup that money. Hurry. Tell me. I already have expenditures to get that back but it’s just that hassle factor that gets me. That is my old mindset rearing its ugly head–pay for convenience–I guess. I’ll get over my silly fit about this but in this moment I simply do not want one more thing on my “to do” list. I know. Get over it.

It’s another busy weekend ahead. There are kid events (a band performance and a end-of-season basketball party) and then a Real Food Workshop on Saturday. I’ve put the invite out for the Feb 10 couples’ event and so far have 5 couples attending. I am still excited about this little side hobby/money earner. The kids and I have a lot of fun putting it all together. The kids are natural little “party hosts” and I like to see those skills grow in them.

Have a good one! I’m off to gather receipts for child care and medical expenses! 🙂